TV Show Spotlight: Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

Hello, my darling readers!
Ever since Sabrina Spellman first appeared in an Archie Comic, she got herself quite a career. After her own comic series, she soon made it to the TV screen. An animated show, as well as two sequel films, were produced. I guess the most famous is, however, the live action TV show with Melissa Joan Hart starring as Sabrina. There’s a total of 163 episodes and several sequels.

Recently, Netflix picked up on it as well. On 26th October 2018, the first season was released. A Christmas special and the second season, are available by now. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is not what I had expected – that’s exactly why it’s worth checking out!

What is it about?

For all those who aren’t familiar with Sabrina yet, let me give you a quick summary. Sabrina is half with and half mortal. She’s living with her two aunts Hilda and Zelda (both witches) in the mortal world and tries to lead a more or less normal life.

So far, that’s where all the shows agree. What’s different in the Netflix show?
After the older productions were going strong on humor, the guys at Netflix decided to make it a notch darker. Sabrina is facing her 16th birthday which means she had to choose one side. She’s supposed to pledge loyalty to the Dark Lord during her dark baptism and attend the Academy of Unseen Arts from there on. After spending her entire life in the realm of mortals, she’s understandable torn about leaving her friends (and everything she’s known) behind. Well, apart from that life-changing decision, Sabrina has to deal with a series of weird unsettling events and dark creatures who threaten Greendale, her friends, and her family.

Why should you check it out?

The first season invited me to binge-watch and haven’t regretted it. From episode one on I was hooked by the new and dark Sabrina.
I’d like to remark how complex the characters are. Even the non-leads have unusual depth and the showrunners tried hard for some inclusion. In season two we get, for example, a transgender character.
One of my favorite characters, however, is portrayed by Michelle Gomez. (Doctor Who fans should remember who she is.) We constantly learn something new about her and you end up questioning everything you already know.

TV Spotlight: Supernatural

Hey guys!
A big shout out to all the fans who’ve kept Supernatural going for more than 13 seasons! I am a bit late to join the party. But here’s my thoughts on the first season! (By the way, the show is perfect for a Halloween-binge!)

 

The Plot:
The brothers Dean and Sam Winchester have to team up when their father goes missing on one of his “hunting trips”. However, he was not out shooting deer, John Winchester hunts supernatural creators, always trying to find the one that had killed his wife 22 years prior. To find him, his sons will have to follow in his footsteps…

 

Should you check it out?
Well, as interesting this season is, I’m not yet fully convinced. But let’s start with the positive aspects. I love how cleverly the episodes are constructed. Of course you know they’ll make it out alive, but it takes skill to come up with enough myths and urban legends. And it’s even harder to present it in a way that’s not stereotypical and super dull. Another upside of Supernatural is the great chemistry between Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles. It’s the one thing that makes or breaks the show but in this case, casting is really brilliant.
However, let’s get into the downsides.

TV Show Spotlight: Downton Abbey

Hey guys!
I know I’m a bit late to the party but I finally finished watching Downton Abbey. Let’s see what it’s about!

 

The Plot:
The show is a historical period drama set in England from 1912 to 1926. The stories revolve around the family Grantham who lives at Downton Abbey with their domestic stuff. Over the course of six season, hearts are broken, marriages are celebrated, wars are waged. Each member of the family and the staff has his or her very own story in this fascinating time…

 

Why should you check it out?
To be honest, my feelings about the show are a bit ambivalent. But I’ll start with the positive aspects!
The biggest reason to watch Downton Abbey is Maggie Smith. She plays the Dowager Countess and is absolutely divine. Even in the most serious moments of the show she will make a sharp, sarcastic or witty remark that will leave you laughing out loud. By far my favourite character on the show!
Furthermore, I appreciate that Downton Abbey focuses equally on the upper and the lower class. The staff gets interesting stories with depth and character development. Not only does it really add to the show in general and make the whole thing more broad, I am certain I wouldn’t have enjoyed it nearly as much, had there only been the upper class plotlines. 

TV Show Spotlight: A Young Doctor’s Notebook

Hello my lovely readers!
Today I want to talk about a mini-series you’ve probably never heard about until now. To be honest, I hadn’t known about it as well. The show came to me by surprise, so let’s see if it is any good!

 

What is it about?
Daniel Radcliff plays the eponymous young doctor who just finished medical school and is sent to the middle of nowhere to run a tiny hospital.  The show chronicles his first years there and most importantly shows the doctor (now several years older and struggling) looking back on his life.

 

Why should you check it out?
Let me tell you straight away: the show is a little weird. It has a rather dark and gloomy look and often deals with rather serious topics. However, I hadn’t expected to find so much humor in this show. But for some reason it works out just fine!

TV Show Spotlight: The Lava Field

Hey guys!
Today I have something very unusual. In 2014 an impressive mini-TV-series was produced in Iceland. Well, I can’t let you miss out on this gem!

(Unfortunately I could only find a German trailer, but you get the picture)

 

What is it about?
Detective Helgi Marvin Runarsson is called to a crime scene. What at first appears to be a suicide soon raises many questions. Far more people have a connection to this murder than anyone would have believed. The investigations become dangerous not only to Runarsson, but also to his family…

 

Why should you check it out?
I stumbled upon this one completely by surprise but I have to admit those guys up North really know how to make a good thriller. The plot is gripping, fascinating and really pulls you in. We dive into the unknown depths of the Icelandic underground and are left with a crime story that goes under your skin.

TV Show Spotlight: Ash vs. Evil Dead

Hey guys!
I’ve already mentioned this show before but so far neglected to give it a proper introduction. So let me present to you: Ash vs. Evil Dead, a comedy horror show developed by Sam Raimi and based on his homonymous movie series!

 

What is it about?
Our good old friend Ash (played by Bruce Campbell) is living a pretty decent life when all of sudden (because he did something stupid) the Evil Dead show up again, more 30 years after their last encounter. Well, as we all know, Ash is just THE man to stop them…